17 killed in suicide attack on Mullah Nabi Hanfi office

KALAIA: At least 17 persons were killed and 22 others injured in a suicide attack on the headquarters of Taliban commander Mullah Nabi Hanfi in Buland Khel area of Orakzai Agency.

Mullah Nabi Hanfi survived the attack as he was not present in headquarters.

Security sources said that the compound of an anti-Taliban militia commander Mullah Nabi Hanafi was targeted by militants who opened fire before detonating an explosive-laden vehicle inside the compound.

He added that there were reports of at least 17 people dead, including a woman and a child whereas 22 others were injured. Security forces reached the site of attack and sealed the area.

Moreover the injured were shifted to the local hospitals as reports of another suicide bomber were received.

The intensity of the explosion was so huge that the area residents claimed to have felt its jolt similar to that in an earthquake.

There are also reports, which could not be confirmed by official sources, that Mullah Nabi Hanafi was also injured in the attack.

The intelligence reports said that two attackers who had tried to enter the compound were also gunned down, but the militants surrounded the compound and no one was allowed to enter as the injured were rushed out.

The details could not be independently verified as access of media is restricted in the region.

Mullah Hanafi was associated with the Tehrik-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in the past but later, after developing differences, formed his own militant faction to fight against the TTP.

TTP militants have also targeted Hanafi’s training compounds in the past. Mullah Nabi Hanfi is running his own organization with the name of Hanfi Karwan.

Moreover, Hanafi is also wanted by authorities in connection with the killing of Fareed Khan, a Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaaf (PTI) MPA from Hangu, after an arrested accused member of his group confessed to the killing.

Meanwhile Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has claimed responsibility of attack that killed 13 people at the headquarters of local Taliban commander Mullah Nabi Hanafi in Orakzai Agency.

TTP spokesman Shahidullah Shahid claimed the attack and said it was carried out because Hanafi was fighting against them. He added that other who fought against the TTP would also face the same fate.